Colorful Illusion: Tricks to Fool Your Eyes

School Science and Mathematics, May 2002 by Eichinger, John

Authors

Aki Nurosi with Mark Shulman

Sterling Publishing Co., Inc.

387 Park Avenue South

New York, NY 100 16-8810

2000; 80 pages

Paperback, $9.95

Why are carrots often sold in green or blue bags? Why do red cars attract more speeding tickets than black cars? Why are warning signs yellow? The answers to these and many more color-related phenomena can be discovered in Colorful Illusions: Tricks to Fool Your Eyes by Aki Nurosi and Mark Shulman. This delightful little book offers over 20 fascinating optical illusions, with an in-depth explanation of "what's happening" for each. Colorful Illusions is a beautifully produced book: the graphics are rich and skillfully formulated (Nurosi is, in fact, a world-- renowned graphic designer). Not only are the illusions themselves intriguing, but each one stands on its own as a genuinely captivating work of art. Colorful Illusions is written in a thoughtful, yet reader-friendly and interactive style.

The book opens with several introductory comments and a bit of background information. The reader is then invited to delve into the illusions themselves, followed by the illusion analyses, a synopsis ofthe four rules of illusions, and an excellent glossary. Colorful Illusions would be a welcome addition to the classroom bookshelf or school library and is appropriate for grades 3-12. Science teachers will find connections to vision, behavior, perception, and color. Math teachers will find connections to shape, size, and pattern. Both will find opportunities for discovery and critical analysis. The only limitation of the book is that it is apparently only available in paperback - I suspect that in a school or classroom it will quickly become ragged due to frequent use.

I thoroughly enjoyed reviewing Colorful Illusions: Tricks to Fool Your Eyes. The wonder of the book is in Nurosi's careful attention to the design and presentation of the illusions themselves. Colorful Illusions carries the reader to the place where science and art interact and is sure to stimulate curiosity and imagination in students and teachers.

Reviewer

John Eichinger

California State University, Los Angeles

Los Angeles, CA 90032-8142